Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, president of the Bar Council of Bhutan, graced the Bar Council’s second annual general meeting in Thimphu yesterday. The meeting brings together legal professionals and key justice sector stakeholders to strengthen access to justice, uphold professional ethics, and enhance accountability within Bhutan’s legal profession.
During the ceremony, Her Royal Highness awarded certificates to two individuals, recognising their dedicated service and contributions to the Bar Council of Bhutan.
Her Royal Highness also granted practising certificates to 24 new lawyers, followed by an oath-taking ceremony, marking their formal entry into legal practice.
Addressing the gathering, Her Royal Highness underscored the vital role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice.
Her Royal Highness emphasised the importance of integrity, humility and compassion in delivering justice and serving the people. “As we move into the annual general meeting, I want to acknowledge the importance of such forums for all their dialogues and collective progress. I recall the first annual general meeting conducted last year, and it brought forward useful discussions about the challenges faced by our lawyers, issues affecting legal practice and professional standards. I hope that this year’s discussions will be meaningful and solution-related.”
Over the next two days, legal professionals from both public and private sectors will focus on strengthening professional ethics, expanding legal aid and pro bono services, promoting people-centric justice, and addressing emerging challenges within the legal sector, including gender-based violence and disability inclusion.
“The Bar Council of Bhutan has brought forward several proposed changes to existing laws. These will be thoroughly discussed from tomorrow onwards, and where necessary, amendments will be made or new regulations drafted,” said the Bar Council’s Vice President Rinzin Penjor.
More than a hundred legal professionals are attending the meeting organised by the Bar Council of Bhutan with support from UNDP. The first annual general meeting held last year in Paro urged members to provide free legal services, especially to the marginalised and vulnerable population.